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Transcontinental Railroad
On May 10, 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad is finished at Promontory Summit in Utah. The railroad that connected the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad revolutionized traveling and also how goods were transported throughout the country. This in turn allowed the train companies to control prices of goods transported by the railroads. The success of the train industry also played a role with the Great Depression. -
Barbed wire
November 24, 1874, the barbed wire is invented by Joseph F Glidden in Illinois. The concept of open range ended with barbed wire, which was used to secure crops from grazing animals. But it was also a way for settlers to claim land. Native Americans referred to it as Devil’s rope, as limited their movement and hunting grounds—they believed that land did not belong to anyone. It also sparked land wars between settlers. -
Tractor
In 1892, the tractor is invented by John Froelich in Clayton County, Iowa. This invention modernized agriculture by making tasks easier with less manpower. Normally laborious work like plowing, harvesting, mowing, cultivating are made easier with mechanical appliances and this gave farmers more produce with less manual labor and making it less time-consuming. With the availability of the tractor, it allowed an increase in the production of goods which supported overproduction. -
First Airplane Flies
On December 19, 1903, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright invented and successfully flew the first airplane in Ohio. Their success brought about the change in transportation of people and goods, as well as advances in warfare. At a time when people believed no one could fly, their invention inspired others to manifest their ideas as well. Improvements to the airplane invention allowed larger and more efficient planes today, and until now, allowing economies to grow on international business. -
Model T Ford
The Model T Ford is produced in Detroit in 1908. It made the automobile a necessity in every household and gave way to the automobile industry. It is also credited for pioneering the minimum wage for factory workers, which was an effort to ensure mass production and also that the every day American could afford their automobiles. It eventually became the most affordable automobile for American households, and attributed to the culture of consumerism in that period. -
Frozen food invented
In 1923, frozen food is invented by Clarence Birdseye in New Jersey. Frozen food allowed the opportunity for women to go to work to contribute to their households but still be able to make dinner. In addition it allowed produce and meats to last longer and seasonal foods to be available regardless of time. The invention of frozen food also gave way to saving left overs or preserving food longer after the invention of the refrigerator.
